MAN President Meshioye Addresses Nigeria's Export Challenges

Otunba Francis Meshioye, the president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), reported that manufactured exports constituted only 2.94% of Nigeria's total exports in 2025, despite total exports rising to N85.13 trillion. He spoke at the 6th Adeola Odutola Lecture and Presidential Luncheon during MAN's 54th Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

Meshioye highlighted that while overall export earnings increased, the share of manufactured exports remained unchanged over the past four years, indicating a reliance on primary commodity exports. He praised President Bola Tinubu for launching the Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025 (NIP 2025), which aims to enhance industrial development and domestic value chains.

Meshioye warned that the success of NIP 2025 relies on consistent implementation and institutional coordination. He identified seven structural constraints facing manufacturers, including high production costs and inadequate infrastructure, and urged the federal government to expedite NIP 2025's implementation with clear timelines and accountability.